The Malta Society of Arts has launched its new programme for the 2016/2017 schedule. Students are spoilt for choice with a wide variety of topics tackled, mornings and evenings, throughout the week.

Those wishing to focus on applied crafts can, for example, choose from cake decorating, lacemaking or gilding. Music lovers can take up piano studies or, for the first time, music improvisation or saxophone. Art aficionados can try their hand at wooden sculpture or human figure nude painting.

There are also classes aimed at the younger generation, including a preparatory course for art O level, and art classes for those aged four to six years old and seven to 10 years old. Over-50s get dedicated art sessions, too.

An exciting addition for this schedule is that of the art workshops where a group of artists will be getting together on a weekly basis between October and June to create and discuss art.

The society is hoping that this will encourage the idea of a supportive artist community.

Returning once again in the run-up to Christmas is the crib building workshop run by Charles Bellia, president of the Għaqda Ħbieb tal-Presepju, with the aim being that of creating a traditional crib.

For a full list of courses and workshops available, visit www.artsmalta.org or call on 2124 4339 or 2124 4400. The programme kicks off in the first week of October. Application forms are downloadable from the website. While there is no deadline to apply, enrolment is on a first-come-first-served basis.